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Sonographic assessment of arterial frequency and distribution within the brachial plexus: a comparison with the cadaveric record
Author(s) -
Nambyiah P.,
Umbarje K.,
Amir R.,
Parikh M.,
Oosthuysen S. A. vR.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2011.06832.x
Subject(s) - cadaveric spasm , medicine , brachial plexus , brachial plexus block , ultrasound , brachial artery , plexus , radiology , anatomy , surgery , blood pressure
We investigated the number and distribution of arteries within the brachial plexus territory using a portable ultrasound device, and compared these findings with known cadaveric data. We recruited 200 volunteers and carried out 400 brachial plexus examinations in a prospective observational study design. We identified arteries within the brachial plexus in more than 90% of subjects. Most of these were located in the upper and middle zones of the plexus and therefore lie within the possible path of a block needle. These findings correlate well with previous cadaveric studies, suggesting that arteries within the brachial plexus territory can be reliably identified with a portable ultrasound device. The presence of these vessels may impact upon the safety and efficacy of brachial plexus blockade. Routine pre-procedural sonographic assessment may offer improved safety and efficacy. You can respond to this article at http://www.anaesthesiacorrespondence.com.